Tim Tebow reportedly asks to not be used in Jets' wildcat offense

Jets reserve quarterback Tim Tebow did not play against the San Diego Chargers… (Jeff Zelevansky / Getty…)

No matter how he has played, Tim Tebow has always been regarded as the paragon of sportsmanship and never-say-die persistence.

But according to an ESPN report after the Jets’ loss to San Diego on Sunday, Tebow asked out of the wildcat package because he was frustrated with his role in the offense.

The report, which cited several unnamed Jets sources, said Tebow’s frustration reached a boiling point Tuesday when he learned he would be passed over for the starting opportunity when Mark Sanchez was benched.

Greg McElroy got the start and was sacked 11 times in a 27-17 loss to the Chargers.

Tebow reportedly was disappointed enough that he told coaches he didn’t want to be used situationally. That gave the team time to replace him in the wildcat with receiver Jeremy Kerley, a former high school quarterback. Kerley played in the game, Tebow didn’t.

After the game, Tebow was asked who told him he wouldn’t be playing in the wildcat and he said: “It just kind of happens.”